Leviticus 19:3

KJV

Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I [am] the LORD your God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye shall fear {H3372} every man {H376} his mother {H517}, and his father {H1}, and keep {H8104} my sabbaths {H7676}: I am the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Every one of you is to revere his father and mother, and you are to keep my Shabbats; I am ADONAI your God.

Berean Standard Bible

Each of you must respect his mother and father, and you must keep My Sabbaths. I am the LORD your God.

American Standard Version

Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father; and ye shall keep my sabbaths: I am Jehovah your God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 19:3 stands as a foundational command within the "Holiness Code," uniquely intertwining the ethical demands of familial respect with the spiritual obligations of corporate worship. This verse mandates that the Israelites demonstrate reverential awe towards their parents and faithfully observe God's Sabbaths, grounding both directives in the ultimate authority and covenant identity of Yahweh, who declares Himself to be their sovereign God. It powerfully communicates that true holiness is comprehensive, permeating both the most intimate relationships and the communal rhythms of devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 19 is a pivotal chapter, often referred to as the "Holiness Code" (Leviticus 17-26), which systematically applies the overarching divine command from [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - God's Call to Holiness"): "Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy." Following this foundational statement, verse 3 immediately establishes two primary spheres where this holiness is to be manifested: the family unit (through honoring parents) and the communal worship life (through Sabbath observance). The chapter then elaborates on various ethical, moral, and ceremonial laws, demonstrating that holiness is not confined to ritual but extends to every facet of daily existence, including social justice, honesty, and compassion, all consistently punctuated by the divine declaration, "I am the LORD your God," which reinforces the divine imperative behind each command throughout [Leviticus 19](/leviticus/19 "Leviticus 19 - The Holiness Code").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The commands in Leviticus 19:3 were given to the Israelite people shortly after their exodus from Egypt, as they were being established as a distinct nation under God's covenant. In the ancient Near East, respect for elders and family was generally valued, but Israel’s command to "fear" parents elevated this to a sacred duty, reflecting a divine order. The observance of the Sabbath, however, was a unique covenant sign for Israel, distinguishing them sharply from surrounding pagan cultures that did not have a divinely mandated day of rest and worship. This weekly cessation from labor and dedication to God served as a profound reminder of God's creation and His redemption of Israel from Egyptian bondage, where they had known no rest. The repeated declaration "I am the LORD your God" throughout the Holiness Code served to underscore Yahweh's exclusive claim over Israel, contrasting His holy standards with the idolatrous and immoral practices of the nations they were to dispossess, thereby solidifying Israel's identity as a people set apart for God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yare'_):** The Hebrew term יָרֵא (*yare*) in this context signifies much more than mere fright; it denotes a profound reverence, awe, and deep respect. When applied to human relationships, particularly with parents, it implies honoring their authority, valuing their wisdom, and showing them deference and care. This "fear" is a moral and spiritual attitude that leads to obedience and submission, reflecting the same reverential awe that is due to God Himself. It is foundational to the social order and reflects the divine authority invested in parents.
* **Sabbaths (Hebrew, _shabbatot'_):** The use of the plural form, שַׁבָּתוֹת (*shabbatot*), indicates not only the weekly Sabbath day of rest but also encompasses the various annual holy days and festivals (e.g., Passover, Day of Atonement, Sukkot) that were designated as times of cessation from regular labor and dedicated to worship and remembrance of God's redemptive acts. Keeping these "sabbaths" was a central sign of Israel's covenant with Yahweh, a tangible expression of their trust in His provision, and a communal practice that reinforced their identity as God's set-apart people.
* **The LORD your God (Hebrew, _YHWH Eloheykhem'_):** This powerful divine self-declaration, יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם (*YHWH Eloheykhem*), serves as the ultimate theological warrant for all the commands in Leviticus 19. "YHWH" (the LORD) is God's covenant name, emphasizing His personal, faithful, and redemptive character, particularly in His deliverance of Israel from slavery. "Eloheykhem" (your God) highlights His unique relationship with Israel as His chosen people. This phrase asserts God's absolute sovereignty and authority, demanding obedience not as arbitrary rules but as the loving requirements of the One who is their Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father":** This clause establishes the paramount importance of filial piety within the covenant community. It is placed first among the specific commands in the Holiness Code, underscoring the foundational role of the family in God's design for a holy society. The "fear" commanded here is a deep, reverential respect that translates into honor, obedience, and care for one's parents, acknowledging their God-given authority and the life and nurture they have provided. This directive echoes the Fifth Commandment from the Decalogue, signifying its enduring and universal significance in God's moral framework.
* **"and keep my sabbaths":** Juxtaposed with the command to honor parents, this clause shifts focus from the familial to the communal and spiritual sphere. It mandates the faithful observance of God's designated days of rest and worship, which served as a sacred sign of the covenant between Yahweh and Israel. Keeping the Sabbaths was an act of faith, demonstrating trust in God's sovereignty over time and labor, and acknowledging His role as Creator and Redeemer. It was a public declaration of allegiance to God and a commitment to His rhythms of rest and spiritual renewal, rejecting the relentless pursuit of worldly gain.
* **"I [am] the LORD your God.":** This concluding declaration is the divine imprimatur for the preceding commands, serving as the ultimate source of their authority and obligation. It is not merely a statement of identity but a powerful assertion of absolute sovereignty and a reminder of the unique covenant relationship God has established with Israel. God is not offering suggestions but issuing divine mandates, rooted in His very being and His redemptive acts on behalf of His people. This phrase elevates the commands from mere legal requirements to acts of worship and faithfulness to the one true God who has uniquely bound Himself to His people.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 19:3 is rich in literary technique. The immediate **Juxtaposition** of honoring parents and keeping the Sabbaths is highly significant, highlighting the interconnectedness of vertical (God-ward) and horizontal (human-ward) dimensions of holiness. This pairing suggests that reverence for God is inseparable from ethical conduct within the family and community. The recurring **Divine Declaration** "I am the LORD your God" functions as a powerful **Inclusio** throughout the entirety of Leviticus 19, framing and validating each command. This repeated assertion of divine identity and authority serves as the ultimate motivation for obedience, reminding the Israelites that these are not arbitrary rules but the requirements of their covenant-keeping God. The structure of the verse itself, moving from the specific familial duty to the broader religious observance, and culminating in the definitive divine statement, creates a subtle sense of **Climax**, emphasizing that all human conduct finds its ultimate meaning and authority in God Himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 19:3 profoundly connects the ethical demands of the Mosaic Covenant with the theological reality of God's identity and sovereignty. It demonstrates that true holiness is not an abstract concept but a practical, lived reality, manifesting in concrete actions within the family and community, and in dedicated worship. The "fear" of parents echoes the "fear" of God, suggesting that respect for human authority, particularly within the divinely ordained family unit, is a foundational step in learning to reverence God Himself. Similarly, Sabbath observance is a tangible expression of trust in God's sovereignty and provision, a rejection of self-sufficiency, and a commitment to His redemptive rhythm for life. These commands are not presented as burdensome legalisms but as pathways to a flourishing life in covenant with the living God, reflecting His character in every sphere.

* [Exodus 20:8-12](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8-12 - The Fourth and Fifth Commandments")
* [Deuteronomy 5:12-16](/deuteronomy/5-12 "Deuteronomy 5:12-16 - Sabbath and Honoring Parents")
* [Ephesians 6:1-3](/ephesians/6-1 "Ephesians 6:1-3 - Children, Obey Your Parents")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 19:3 remains powerfully relevant for believers today, transcending its ancient context to offer timeless principles for a life consecrated to God. It challenges us to examine the depth of our reverence for those God has placed in authority over us, particularly our parents and elders, recognizing that such respect is an extension of our worship of God. Furthermore, it calls us to intentionally set aside time for rest, spiritual renewal, and corporate worship, resisting the pervasive pressures of a productivity-driven culture that often neglects the soul's need for cessation and communion with its Creator. This verse reminds us that our obedience to God's commands, whether in the private sphere of family or the public sphere of worship, is not a legalistic burden but a joyful, Spirit-empowered response to the One who declares, "I am the LORD your God," inviting us into a holistic life of holiness and devotion that brings glory to His name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can I demonstrate "fear" (reverential respect and honor) for my parents or those in authority over me today, even if our relationship is challenging?**
* **How does my current rhythm of life reflect the principle of Sabbath rest and dedicated worship, and where might I need to create more intentional space for God and spiritual renewal?**
* **How does the declaration "I am the LORD your God" motivate my obedience and shape my understanding of holiness in daily life, transforming duties into acts of worship?**

### FAQ
**What does "fear" mean in the context of fearing one's parents?**

Answer: In Leviticus 19:3, the Hebrew word for "fear" (יָרֵא, *yare*) does not imply terror or fright, but rather a profound sense of reverence, awe, and deep respect. This "fear" is akin to the honor and submission due to God Himself. It means acknowledging their God-given authority, valuing their wisdom, obeying their righteous commands, and caring for them, especially in their old age. It is a respectful deference that recognizes their foundational role in one's life and in society, as also commanded in the Fifth Commandment ([Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment")).

**Why are honoring parents and keeping the Sabbaths linked together in this verse?**

Answer: The linking of honoring parents and keeping the Sabbaths in [Leviticus 19:3](/leviticus/19-3 "Leviticus 19:3 - Fear Parents, Keep Sabbaths") is highly significant because it demonstrates the holistic nature of holiness. Honoring parents represents the horizontal dimension of our ethical duties within the family and community, while keeping the Sabbaths represents the vertical dimension of our spiritual duties toward God. By placing these two seemingly disparate commands together, the text emphasizes that true holiness is not compartmentalized but encompasses both our relationships with fellow humans and our relationship with God. Both are fundamental expressions of allegiance to the God who declares, "I am the LORD your God."

**Is the command to "keep my sabbaths" still relevant for Christians today?**

Answer: While the specific legalistic requirements of the Old Testament Sabbath may not apply to New Covenant believers in the same way (as discussed in [Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Shadow of Things to Come")), the underlying principles of Sabbath observance remain profoundly relevant. These principles include setting aside intentional time for rest, spiritual renewal, worship, and refocusing on God's sovereignty rather than human productivity. Christians are called to live lives of worship and trust in God's provision, finding their ultimate rest in Christ, who is Lord of the Sabbath ([Mark 2:27-28](/mark/2-27 "Mark 2:27-28 - Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath")). This involves prioritizing spiritual rhythms that allow for communion with God and refreshment for the soul.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 19:3, with its dual emphasis on honoring parents and keeping the Sabbaths, finds its ultimate fulfillment and reinterpretation in Jesus Christ. Jesus perfectly embodied the command to honor parents, being "obedient to them" ([Luke 2:51](/luke/2-51 "Luke 2:51 - Jesus' Obedience to His Parents")) and even providing for His mother from the cross ([John 19:26-27](/john/19-26 "John 19:26-27 - Jesus Cares for His Mother")). More profoundly, He is the Lord of the Sabbath ([Mark 2:28](/mark/2-28 "Mark 2:28 - Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath")), demonstrating that the Sabbath was made for humanity's benefit and not as a legalistic burden. He fulfilled its true intent by bringing spiritual rest to the weary and heavy-laden ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")), offering Himself as the ultimate "Sabbath rest" for God's people ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People")). The declaration "I am the LORD your God" points forward to Jesus' own divine identity; He is Emmanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Emmanuel, God With Us")), the very embodiment of God's presence and authority. Through His perfect obedience to the Father, His atoning sacrifice, and His resurrection, Christ provides the true basis for holiness, enabling believers to live out the spirit of these commands not by legalistic adherence but by the power of the Holy Spirit, in loving response to Him who is our ultimate Lord and our true rest.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 20:12

¶ Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Ephesians 6:1

¶ Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

Ephesians 6:3

That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

Exodus 20:8

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

Hebrews 12:9

Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected [us], and we gave [them] reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

Ezekiel 22:7

In thee have they set light by father and mother: in the midst of thee have they dealt by oppression with the stranger: in thee have they vexed the fatherless and the widow.

Ezekiel 22:8

Thou hast despised mine holy things, and hast profaned my sabbaths.